Student Motions

What is a motion?  

Motions are an impactful way to bring about change in the Union and University. Motions are ideas for change for the Students' Union to work towards over the course of one or more years. The topic of motions can encompass all things affecting students, from endorsing campaigns to how to spend the capital funds of the union. 

Some examples of changes that have been enacted based on the work of motions are the addition of a Welsh Affairs Officer as a full-time officer position, and the removal of plastic straws in our venues. 

Any current student can bring forward and submit a motion. Motions should be written in a particular style 

Where are motions presented? 

Motions are presented at Student Forums and our AGM by the students who submit the motion. All students in attendance have a chance to scrutinize the proposed motion, remove parts from it, and vote on whether the motion should be enacted or not. 

Student forums take place every couple of months within term time. Forums are also a chance to hear about key updates from the Union's officers, and to ask them questions. Depending on when your motion is submitted, it might not be presented at the nearest forum. 

I have an idea for a motion

In order to present a persuasive or impactful argument it is important that the idea identifies something you want to change, and the solution to the problem. As these solutions should be realistic and feasible, we'll invite you in to work on the motion with the relevant officer, a member of the student voice team, or with the relevant executive committee. 

If have an idea for change to improve the experience of students that you think could be a motion, but don't know where to start, get in contact with us through the relevant Union Officer, or by creating a ticket through our helpdesk to get in contact with the subject Submitting A Motion: [Your Motion Name].

How to write a motion  

Once you’ve started the conversation with us to refine your idea, you can start writing your motion in the correct manner. The formal motion needs to be sent to us in the correct manner, typically at least two weeks before the date of the forum. 

There are three key elements to the motion proposal:  

• The Union notes: relevant and objective fact/needs about the motion. 
• The Union Believes: what would happen if the relevant motion passes.  
• The Union resolves: how to achieve the motion.  

All motions look slightly different but this example motion can be used as a guide:  

Title: The Motion to get a Union cat! 

Proposed by: Dai Davies 

Supported by: Bethan Jones 

The Union Notes: 

1. That cats eat mice and sometimes iPhone chargers. 
2. That cats are known to make good house-pets. 
3. That the Union does not have a cat permanently living on its premises. 

The Union believes: 

1. That a cat would add to the atmosphere of SUSU, especially if it’s in a hat. 
2. That a cat in SUSU would ward off any uninvited guests. 
3. That a cat would make people more likely to visit SUSU. 

The Union resolves: 

1. To get in a cat, or some sort of feline. 
2. To train the cat to become a vegetarian. 
3. To call the cat Chairman Miaow. 

Idea to Motion to Policy Timeline: 

If a motion passes all stages it will become union policy for three years minimum. Policy is essentially a statement of intent: work we’re undertaking to make change and improve things for students. Although your motion policy might be in place for three years at a minimum, sometimes action can happen straight away; others might take months of lobbying to make progress. Even after three years, the motion policy might be incomplete, and the Executive Committee will vote whether or not to renew it. 

Submitting a motion

To submit a motion raise a ticket and follow this exact format by copy and pasting the text below to ensure you get it right first time. If the format is not fulfilled correctly or appropriately, you may be asked to rewrite and resubmit. We strongly encourage all students' wishing to submit a motion to reach out to us with your idea first so we can support you in writing an effective, efficient and impactful motion. If your motion is completely unrealistic or doesn't complain sufficient detail, it won't be worth talking about. 

Motion Title:

Proposed By:

Supported By: 

This Union Notes (250 word count limit)

1.

2.

3.

This Union Believes (250 word count limit) 

1.

2.

3.

This Union Resolves (250 word count limit)

1.

2.

3.